Overview

Fall Colours of New England and Canada

North America's finest scenery
This wonderful holiday showcases the sensational autumn colours of one of the world's most beautiful corners, the sights and sounds of some of North America's greatest cities, and in the plunging torrents of Niagara Falls, one of its most breathtaking natural wonders. From Manhattan, to the scenic Maple Leaf Trail from Toronto to Quebec City, via Ottawa and Montreal, and from stunning Vermont and coastal Maine to elegant, 'blue-blood' Boston, this tour has it all.

Itinerary

Day
1

Fly to New York, and upon arrival, meet your Tour Manager and board the coach for the transfer to New Jersey and the hotel for a two-night stay. Rest and relax after the journey.

Day
2

Board the coach and head into the heart of New York, downtown Manhattan. Explore on your own, or more likely join the optional tour of the City that Never Sleeps, in the company of our guide. Marvel at the famous sights - the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings, bustling Times Square, the green acres of Central Park, the southern tip of Wall Street and the waterfront district, looking out towards the Statue of Liberty. The tour includes a visit to the breathtaking Top of the Rock at the towering Rockefeller Center, from where the whole of Manhattan and beyond can be viewed from the 70th-floor viewing platform.

Day
3

Today you'll head north, boarding the coach for the scenic journey through beautiful rural Upper New York State, its forested landscape dotted with quintessential New England towns and villages, to spend two nights in Niagara Falls. Enjoy your first evening in this colourful, bustling resort that has grown up around the cascades, and which draws visitors from across the globe.

Day
4

Enjoy a full day in Niagara, perhaps board the Hornblower Niagara Cruise for a spray-soaked passage close to the foot of the torrent. Alternatively, for a bird's eye view of the magnificent Falls, take an optional helicopter ride above the tumult or enjoy lunch from the viewpoint of an overlooking restaurant.

Day
5

This morning you'll make the short journey to the historic and delightful town of Niagara-on-the- Lake, with its pretty houses and world-famous Shaw Theatre, one of America's most celebrated playhouses. Later, continue to the sparkling city of Toronto and explore its glittering waterfront, sky piercing CN Tower and its colourful historic neighbourhoods including Chinatown, Greektown and Little Italy on an optional guided city tour. Indulge in some shopping in the city's ultramodern malls, or in the evening make the most of the city's cosmopolitan dining options, or perhaps take in a show - Toronto is Canada's capital of live entertainment and performance art, with many world-class productions gracing the city's stages.

Day
6

Today you'll board the coach to head along the colourful Maple Leaf Trail, travelling east to romantic Ottawa, Canada's administrative capital. Explore the beautiful Canadian capital with its Victorian houses, grand Parliament Buildings and the famous Rideau Canal, which is set against the leafy background of the Gatineau Hills. Later, continue on into the great French Canadian province of Quebec and into Montreal, the world's second-largest French speaking metropolis, for a two-night stay. Soak up the atmosphere of one of Canada's epicentres of style and sophistication, perhaps dining in the Vieux Port District.

Day
7

Today's included excursion is to charming, historic Quebec City, North America's only walled city. Enjoy an optional, fascinating city tour in the company of a local guide upon arrival and explore the narrow, cobbled alleyways of the lower Basse Ville and its upper Haute counterpart, which together form the endlessly enthralling Vieux-Quebec, dominated by the monumental Citadelle and the Chateau Frontenac hotel. Exuding charm from its every pore, with countless monuments, churches and 16th and 17th-century buildings, Quebec City is sure to prove one of the highlights of the entire holiday. Return to Montreal for a second evening, perhaps in lively Plateau Mont Royal.

Day
8

After a relaxing morning, perhaps spent exploring Montreal's historic Vieux Port area, board thecoach once more for the scenic journey back towards the US border, crossing into leafy Vermont to spend the night in the exquisite surroundings of the mountain resort Jay Peak.

Day
9

A truly memorable day awaits, as you journey through stunning scenery, via Franconia Notch and the spectacular fall foliage of the Kancamagus Highway through the White Mountains. Pass Mount Washington, New England's highest point, and continue to the beautiful mountain village of Bethel in Maine, nestled at the foot of appropriately named Paradise Hill.

Day
10

Today brings opportunities to enjoy the delights of Bethel, although many will wish to join the optional excursion to Mount Washington, journeying aboard the historic Cog Railway - the only one east of the Rockies - to the summit of New England's highest peak, at the heart of the scenic White Mountains region. Having returned to Bethel, enjoy an evening guided drive in search of moose.

Day
11

Journey further into the 'Great State of Maine', calling at the prosperous coastal city of Portland, with its waterfront wharves and fine seafood restaurants. Visit delightful beach-resort Ogunquit and the exclusive Bush Family retreat of Kennebunkport, before crossing into Massachusetts to spend three nights in seafront Hull, close to elegant Boston.

Day
12

Enjoy a full day in America's most European city, perhaps joining the fascinating optional guided tour to explore the famous Freedom Trail through its compact heart, taking in the gold-domed State House and the Old North Church, the green acres of Boston Common and the cobbled streets of historic Beacon Hill. Visit colourful Quincy Market with its speciality stalls, many of which sell delicious cuisine from around the world. Perhaps try a dish of clam chowder or delicious New England lobster before a stroll around the harbourside, or cross the Charles River to famous Cambridge, home to Harvard University. Return back to Hull for your second overnight stay.

Day
13

Journey towards the South Shore and enjoy the chance to follow in the footsteps of the Pilgrim Fathers at Plymouth, as you stroll around the historic streets of 'America's Hometown' and visit the fascinating Plimoth Plantation, where the early days of the European settlers are re-enacted. You'll then travel on to Cape Cod and visit Hyannis, still a home to the Kennedy clan. Enjoy your final night in Hull.

Day
14

Return to New York, via the elegant sophistication of Newport, Rhode Island, the East Coast's premier resort town and famous home to some opulent weekend cottages of America's wealthiest families. Journey to the airport, for the return overnight flight.